Here’s your first look at the PH-spec Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Following reports confirming the arrival of the RAV4 Hybrid in our market, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has released the first official photos showing its second electrified crossover in Philippine specifications. 

You might need sharp eyes to notice the differences from its standard version 

At first glance, the upcoming hybrid compact crossover looks identical to the standard model currently sold here. However, there are several elements that help the viewer easily tell them apart. For one thing, the RAV4 Hybrid’s T emblem gets blue highlights in the background. This stylistic cue is reserved for Toyota models that are electrified such as hybrid and fuel cell vehicles. 

The headlamp pattern is also different, featuring a more angular design for both the main lights and daytime running lights. These are markedly different from those on both the standard RAV4 here and the RAV4 Hybrid sold in overseas markets. The foglamps are also slightly revised, embedded in a pentagonal frame in addition to the main housing. 

We can't wait to see what it can do both on - and off - the road

And then, there are the prominent Hybrid badges on the front fenders, proudly proclaiming the vehicle’s powertrain. No pictures of the rear were provided, but a third badge will likely be located at the lower corner of the tailgate. 

The more standardized look shared by the regular and hybrid variants is a departure from the RAV4’s fourth-generation guise. In that iteration, the hybrid model adopted a different fascia from its regular counterpart, featuring more angular headlamps surrounding a slimmer grille and wider lower intake. A similar execution of the look can be found on the facelifted C-HR subcompact crossover. 

Only the front-wheel-drive model will likely be offered in our market

Expected to power the upcoming RAV4 Hybrid is a 2.5-liter gasoline inline-four engine with a 14.0:1 compression ratio that achieves a thermal efficiency of 41 percent. This is paired with an electric motor for a total system output of 176 horsepower and 221 Nm of torque, working in tandem with an E-CVT. In other markets, a second electric motor enables all-wheel-drive capability. By the looks of it, however, we’ll likely be getting the front-wheel-drive variant. 

Suggested pricing for the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is at Php 2,157,000, with TMP dealers now accepting reservations ahead of the model’s February 2022 local launch.View detail Toyota RAV Price Philippines.

Take a peek at the models coming to our market at Philkotse.com.